Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey

International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR) ISSN: 2582-7618 (Online), Volume-6 Issue-1, December 2025 1 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com Abstract: Self-medication is a widespread practice in Syria, driven by socioeconomic challenges and limited healthcare access. This study assessed self-medication trends among Syrian families using a pharmacist-distributed questionnaire, examining the prevalence, motivations, types of medication, risks, and information sources. The results revealed that 97.6% of participants considered self-medication common, with pain relievers (92.5%) and cold/flu medications (68.8%) being the most frequently used. Key motivations included financial constraints (57.5%), cultural habits (46.3%), and difficulty accessing doctors (41.3%). Despite most participants recognizing potential risks, such as incorrect diagnosis (71.3%) and drug interactions (53.8%), informal sources, including family/friends (79.7%) and the internet (43%), remained the primary information channels. In comparison, physicians played a minimal role (6.3%). Pharmacists reported that self-medication increased pharmacy visits (41.3%), yet only 42.5% felt confident in providing adequate counselling. Nearly all respondents (97.5%) emphasized the need for greater public awareness. These findings underscore the pressing need for interventions to reduce reliance on self-medication, including enhanced access to healthcare, pharmacist training, and targeted educational campaigns. Addressing these issues is critical to mitigating risks and promoting safer healthcare practices in Syria. Keywords: Self-medication, Survey, Awareness, Syrians, Pharmacists. Abbreviations: OTC: Over-The-Counter NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs WHO: World Health Organization I. INTRODUCTION Self-medication has become a widespread phenomenon influenced by various socioeconomic factors [1], cultural [2], and healthcare factors [3]. Recently, both developed [4] and developing countries [5] have seen a sharp increase in individuals self-medicating [6], often using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or medications they already have, without consulting doctors [7]. This trend offers cost savings [8] and quick symptom relief [9]. However, it raises significant concerns about patient safety [10], public health [11], and the responsible use of medicines [12]. The World Health Manuscript received on 06 August 2025 | First Revised Manuscript received on 26 August 2025 | Second Revised Manuscript received on 16 November 2025 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 December 2025 | Manuscript published on 30 December 2025. *Correspondence Author(s) Abeer Hammoud, Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Latakia, Latakia, Syria. Email: [email protected], ORCID ID: 0009-0008-4356-6115 Ayat Abbood*, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Latakia, Latakia, Syria. Email: [email protected], ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8387-3875 © The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) Organization (WHO) acknowledges that appropriate self-medication can help manage self-limiting conditions [13], ease the burden on healthcare systems [14], and empower patients to take charge of their health [15]. Unregulated or improper self-medication can pose serious risks and threaten patient health [16], such as delayed diagnoses [17], hiding underlying health issues [18], drug interactions [19], incorrect dosages [20], adverse drug reactions [21], and the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance from antibiotic misuse [22]. In this complex scenario [23], pharmacists are vital healthcare providers uniquely equipped to balance the risks [24] and benefits of self-medication [25]. Their accessibility [26], clinical expertise [27], and a patient-centred approach allows pharmacists to do more than dispense medication [28]. They also act as healthcare educators [29], safety monitors [30], and counselling providers [31]. Through symptom assessment [32], evidence-based counselling [33], distribution of suitable treatments [34], and identifying red flags for referral to physicians [35], pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting safe [36] and effective self-care practices [37]. Where healthcare infrastructure is limited or access to doctors is restricted [38], such as in many developing countries [39], the role of pharmacists becomes even more critical [40]. Pharmacists often serve as the first point of contact for patients [41], filling gaps in the healthcare system with initial assessments [42], drug therapy management [43], and medication safety counselling [44]. They also contribute to public health by raising awareness about the risks of self-medication and drug misuse [45], helping to reduce harmful side effects [46]. This study assesses self-medication trends among Syrian families through a pharmacist-distributed questionnaire. The data highlights demographic characteristics, prevalence, motivations, types of medications used, associated risks, sources of information, and the role of pharmacists in counselling. Understanding these trends is critical for addressing public health risks and improving healthcare interventions. II. METHODS This study, conducted in 2024, aimed to investigate pharmacists’ attitudes toward family self-medication in Syria. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire created and distributed via Google Forms. The goal was to assess the prevalence, underlying causes, risks, and the roles of pharmacists in standard self-medication practices observed during daily patient interactions. Recruitment involved convenience sampling from online forums and professional pharmacy networks to broadly share the survey with pharmacists and Syrian pharmacy students. A total of 80 valid responses Abeer Hammoud, Ayat Abbood Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey 2 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com were obtained for analysis. The target population consisted of individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds in pharmacy, including both students and practising pharmacists. A self-administered survey thoroughly explored multiple aspects of self-medication, divided into sections covering demographic data, observed behaviours, underlying causes, perceived risks, sources of information, and the roles of pharmacists in public education. Participants provided their age (categories: under 20 years, 21–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, and over 50 years), gender (male and female), and education level (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate). This information enabled researchers to analyse potential relationships between demographic factors and self-medication behaviours. Respondents estimated how often families they encountered practised self-medication, selecting from the following options: very common, ordinary, rare, or very rare. The questionnaire also explored key reasons motivating families to self-medicate, such as financial constraints, cultural beliefs, familiarity with treatments, and lack of access to physicians. Participants identified the most frequently used medications in family self-medication, including analgesics, cold and flu remedies, gastrointestinal antacids, antidepressants, and others. The survey assessed pharmacists' perceptions of risks related to self-medication, such as incorrect diagnoses, drug interactions, health deterioration, and dependence. Respondents reported that the most common sources patients use for self-medication include the internet, family and friends, pharmacists, and physicians. They evaluated whether trends in self-medication influenced the number of patient visits to pharmacies, indicating whether visits increased, decreased, or remained unchanged. Pharmacists also rated their confidence in counselling patients about self-medication, choosing among: yes, no, or sometimes. Additionally, they reflected on the need for greater public awareness, their methods of education (including personal counselling, printed materials, and social media), and their perception of the current level of public knowledge (high, moderate, low, or none). Lastly, participants identified potential future factors of self-medication patterns, such as increased education and awareness, greater use of technology, and changes in patient behaviors. All responses were collected online and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables to identify prevailing trends and attitudes of Syrian families toward self-medication, as perceived by pharmacists. Most questions were multiple-choice, with results displayed graphically in charts to better illustrate observed trends, perceived risks, and areas for potential future intervention. III. RESULTS A. Demographic Data of Participants Eighty pharmacists and pharmacy students participated in this study. Most participants were female (70.9%), suggesting women may be more involved in healthcare decisions. The largest age group was 21 to 30 years (73.8%), followed by the 31 to 40 years age group (13.7%). Most participants were undergraduate students (53.2%), followed by graduates (36.4%) and postgraduates (10.4%). This demographic reflects an active, young population primarily involved in pharmacy education or practice. The detailed distribution of participants' demographics is shown in Table 1. Table I: Demographic Characteristics of Participants Characteristics Percentages % (Number) Gender Female 70.90% Male 29.10% Age >20 6.30% 21-30 73.80% 31-40 13.70% >40 2.50% Educational Level Undergraduate student 53.20% Graduate 36.40% Postgraduate 10.40% B. Prevalence and Motivation for Self-Medication Among Families 97.6 % of respondents reported self-medication as "very common" (36.3%) or "common" (61.3%), underscoring its widespread use in Syrian households (Figure 1). [Fig.1: Percentages of Responses to the Following Question: How Common is Self-Medication among the Families through Your Work?] Financial cost (57.5%) and cultural habits (46.3%) were primary drivers of self-medication, reflecting economic and societal influences (Figure 2). Difficulty accessing doctors (41.3%) points to a systemic healthcare barrier. 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% Financial cost Cultural habits/traditions Previous knowledge of treatment Difficulty accessing a doctor [Fig.2: Percentages of Responses to the Following Question about the Reasons for Self-Medication Among Syrian Families] C. Types of Medications Used in Self-Medication Families typically use a variety of drugs for self-medication. Among Syrian families, pain relievers (92.5%) and cold/flu medications (68.8%) dominated, while antibiotics International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR) ISSN: 2582-7618 (Online), Volume-6 Issue-1, December 2025 3 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com and antidepressants were rarely used, indicating a focus on symptomatic relief. These results suggest that self-medication is mainly limited to over-the-counter medicines for minor and non-chronic ailments, with high-risk drugs being rarely used. The full distribution of drug forms is shown in Figure 3. 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% 90.00% 100.00% Pain relievers Cold and flu medications Antacids Antibiotics (general) Specific antibiotic Antidepressants [Fig.3: Percentages of Responses to the Following Question: The Most Common Types of Medications Used for Self-Medication] D. Perceived Risks Associated with Self-Medication %72.5 acknowledged adverse effects of self-medication, with incorrect diagnosis (71.3%) and drug interactions (53.8%) as top concerns. Drug dependency (42.5%) was also noted, revealing awareness of long-term risks of self-medication. The overall perception and individual risks are summarized in Table 2. Table II: General and Specific Perceived Risks of Self-Medication Item Percentage (%) General Perception of Negative Effects Yes 72.50% Maybe 25% No 2.50% Specific Risks Identified Incorrect diagnosis 71.30% Drug interactions 53.80% Health deterioration 42.50% Drug dependency 42.50% E. Sources of Information and Motivations Behind Self-Medication Family/friends (79.7%) were the primary source of self-medication, followed by the internet (43%), while physicians (6.3%) played a minimal role (Table 3). Doctors were the least consulted source (6.3%). Regarding the reasons for self-medication, cost was the most important reason (57.5%), followed by customs and tradition (46.3%), prior experience with the treatment (42.5%), and finally, inability to visit the doctor (41%). Social influences are the most significant driving force to get patients to self-medicate, with patients relying more on their knowledge as opposed to professional medical sources. The conclusion also brings economic expenses as one of the most significant forces that lead families to frequently self-medicate, in addition to the driving force from social norms and the existence of an unregulated medical community. Table III: Sources of Information and Motivations for Self-Medication Item Percentage (%) Sources of Information Family and friends 79.70% Internet 43% Pharmacist 31.60% Physician 6.30% Motivations for Self-Medication Financial cost 57.50% Traditions and customs 46.30% Previous knowledge of treatment 42.50% Inability to visit a doctor 41% F. The Impact of Self-Medication on Pharmacy Visits and Pharmacists' Counselling Role 41.3% stated that self-medication increases the frequency of pharmacy visits (Table 4). 97.5% agree on the need for more public awareness. Pharmacists’ confidence in counselling was split (42.5% "Yes" vs. 41.3% "Sometimes"), suggesting room for improvement in training. Table IV: Impact of Self-Medication on Pharmacy Visits and Pharmacists' Counselling Role Item Percentage (%) Effect on Pharmacy Visits Increases visits 41.30% Shifts visits 26.20% No effect 20% Unsure 12.50% Confidence in Providing Counselling Yes 42.50% Sometimes 41.30% No 16.30% Need for Increased Awareness. Yes 97.50% Unsure 1.30% No 1.30% IV. DISCUSSION The data reveals self-medication as a deeply ingrained practice in Syrian families, driven by cost, cultural norms, and healthcare access challenges. The high use of pain relievers and reliance on informal information sources (e.g., family, internet) raise concerns about misdiagnosis and drug interactions [47]. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in mitigating harm [48], but their inconsistent confidence in counselling highlights a need for improved support and public education campaigns [49]. Various economic [50], social [51], and cultural factors were identified as significant underlying drivers of this phenomenon [52]. Financial concerns primarily motivate households to skip doctor visits [53], followed by cultural traditions [54] and previous personal experience with prescribed medications [55]. These findings highlight global issues related to limited healthcare access and socioeconomic factors that promote unsupervised drug use [56]. Additionally, the study found that most patients who self-medicate depend mainly on informal sources like family [57], friends [58], or the internet [59]. Overall, the study’s findings align with existing literature, monitoring the dual role of pharmacists as both medication dispensers and Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey 4 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com accessible providers of evidence-based advice [60]. V. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the importance of pharmacists' roles in monitoring, counselling, and educating patients about self-medication practices among Syrian families. The study showed that self-medication is highly common due to economic factors, cultural beliefs, personal past experiences, and limited access to medical professionals. Despite its high prevalence, most pharmacists are aware of the health risks associated with uncontrolled self-medication, such as misdiagnosis, drug interactions, and health decline. Patients' use of informal sources such as the internet, family, and friends reveals significant concerns in public health education and a lack of well-designed health education programs. Although most pharmacists are confident in their counselling abilities, some remain uncertain, underscoring the need for ongoing professional development. The study highlights the central role of pharmacists. DECLARATION STATEMENT After aggregating input from all authors, I must verify the accuracy of the following information as the article's author. ▪ Conflicts of Interest/ Competing Interests: Based on my understanding, this article has no conflicts of interest. ▪ Funding Support: This article has not been funded by any organizations or agencies. This independence ensures that the research is conducted with objectivity and without any external influence. ▪ Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate: The content of this article does not necessitate ethical approval or consent to participate with supporting documentation. ▪ Data Access Statement and Material Availability: The adequate resources of this article are publicly accessible. ▪ Author’s Contributions: The authorship of this article is contributed equally to all participating individuals. REFERENCES 1. Isbera, M., Abbood, A., & Ibrahim, W. (2016). Weight and Content Uniformity of Warfarin Sodium Half Tablets. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 9(3):215-218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360X.2016.00039.1. 2. Abbood, A., & Layka, R. (2017). Weight and content uniformity Study of captopril half-tablets. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 10(6):1621-1626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360X.2017.00285.2. 3. Chbani D, Abbood A, & Alkhayer M. (2018). Determination of Nitrite and Nitrate Ion levels in some types of processed meats marketed locally. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 11(4):1442-1447. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360X.2018.00269.X. 4. Abbood, A., Malek, Z., Al-Homsh, Y., & Thallaj, N. (2022). In vitro Study for Antibiotic resistance of bacteria causing Urinary Tract Infection from Syrian adults. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 15(10):4727-2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00794. 5. Abbood, A., Malek, Z., & Thallaj, N. (2022). Antibiotic resistance of urinary tract pathogens in Syrian children. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 15(11):4935-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00829. 6. Abbood, A. (2018). Determination of phenolic content and antioxidant activity of some cosmetic creams available in the Syrian market. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11:280-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30558/jchps.20181104006. 7. Zrekah, G.H., Diab, D.A., Abboud, A. (2016). Determination of Protein and fat oxidation levels in imported infant formula available in Syria. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 8:169-72. https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijpps/article/view/989 9 8. Abbood, A. (2023). Optimization of the Imaged cIEF Method for Monitoring the Charge Heterogeneity of Antibody-Maytansine Conjugate, Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry, Article ID 8150143, 10 pages. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8150143. 9. Abbood, A. (2024). Study of formulation effects on the charge variant profile of antibody-maytansine conjugates by the ICIEF method. Acta Pharm. Sci, 62 (2): 288-300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23893/1307-2080.APS6219. 10. Thallaj, N. (2024). Advancements in Pharmaceutical Science: Synthesis and Application of Molecular Cages Integrating N-Heterocyclic Carbenes for Enhanced Stability and Functionality. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-1, pages 6-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.A4063.05011224. 11. Abbood, A. (2024). Monitoring the charge variant profile of antibody-tomaymycin conjugates by icIEF method, Acta Pharm. Sci, 62 (1), 226-239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23893/1307-2080.APS6215. 12. Asaad, R.A. & Abdullah, S.S. (2018). Breast Cancer Subtypes (BCSs) Classification according to Hormone Receptor Status: Identification of Patients at High Risk in JablehSyria. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 11(8): 3703-3710. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360X.2018.00680.7. 13. Asaad, R.A. (2017). Hormone Receptor Status and its Relation to C-Reactive Protein and other Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer in Jableh, Syria. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 10(9):3003-3010. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.5958/0974-360X.2017.00532.7. 14. Labban, L., & Thallaj, N. (2019). The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on HbA1c Level and Lipid Profile Among Type 2 Diabetics. Acta Scientific Nutritional Health, 3,10, 7-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31080/ASNH.2019.03.0435. 15. Labban, L., Thallaj, N., & Malek, Z. (2019). The implications of E-cigarettes or" vaping" on the nutritional status. Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences, 2, 11, 784-787. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15520/jmrhs.v2i11.128. 16. Labban, L., Thallaj, N., & Labban, A. (2020). Assessing the Level of Awareness and Knowledge of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Syrians. Archives of Medicine, 12, 2:8, 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36648/1989-5216.12.2.309. 17. Morkus, R., &Abbood, A. (2024). A Survey of the Awareness and Practices of Antibiotic Use Among College Undergraduates and Graduates in Latakia. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume 4, Issue 3, pp. 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4039.04030424. 18. Thallaj, N. (2025). Analyzing Charge Variant Profiles of Monoclonal Antibodies Conjugated to Cytotoxic Agents. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-3, pages 20-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4071.05030425. 19. Thallaj, N. (2025). Biomimetic Synthesis and Phytochemical Analysis of Lodopyridone: Insights into 4-Pyridone Derivatives and Thiopeptide Antibiotics. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-3, pages 9-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.B4069.05030425. 20. Thallaj, N. (2022). Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Oxadiazole and Thiazolidine Derivatives. Indian Journal of Advanced Chemistry, 1, 3, 2022. 10-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijac.d2015.102222. 21. Thallaj, N. (2022). Quick Review of Chemistry Related to the [Fe]- Hydrogenases. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), 2,4, 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4016.062422. 22. Thallaj, N. (2022). A Short Review of Some Examples of the Binding of Fullerenes C60 to Transition Metal Complexes. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), 2, 6, 1-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4015.102622. 23. Thallaj, N. (2023). Review of a Few Selected Examples of Intermolecular Dioxygenases Involving Molecular Oxygen and Non-Heme Iron Proteins. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), 3 (2), 1-18. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR) ISSN: 2582-7618 (Online), Volume-6 Issue-1, December 2025 5 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4011.023223. 24. Thallaj, N. (2023). A Brief Overview of the General Characteristics and Reactivity Towards Dioxygen of the ferrous tris (2-pyridylmethylamine) Series Complexes is Presented. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR). 3, 3, 1-18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4012.043323. 25. Labban, L., Kudsi, M., Malek, Z., & Thallaj, N. (2020). Advances in Medical, Dental, and Health Sciences, 3, 3, 45-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5530/amdhs.2020.3.11. 26. Thallaj, N. (2024). Detecting Antioxidant Behavior for Phenolic Content of Some Beauty Care Creams in the Syrian Market. Indian Journal of Advanced Chemistry, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 10–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijac.C2013.041322 27. Deeb, A., & Abbood, A. (2025). Survey of Knowledge of Pharmacy Students and Pharmacists Regarding Artificial Intelligence in Lattakia. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume 5, Issue 4, pages 9-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.D4075.05040625. 28. Wanous. O., & Abbood, A. (2025). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self-Medication in Syria. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-5. 29. Al-Ali, O., Habib, O., & Abbood, A. (2025). A Questionnaire Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Herbal Medications Among Syrians. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-5. 30. Salloum, R., Baddour, F., & Abbood, A. (2024). A Questionnaire to Evaluate Undergraduate Students’ Consumption and Awareness of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications in Syria. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-4, pages 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4041.04040624. 31. Zanboua, R., & Abbood, A. (2024). Survey of Knowledge About the Interaction Between Food and Medications Among the Syrian Population. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-4, pages 22-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.D4044.04040624. 32. Mahfouz, H., Assaf, A., & Abbood, A. (2024). Survey of Usage and Awareness of Ibuprofen Among the Syrian Population. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-5, pages 23-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.E4048.04050824. 33. Antakly, R., Najjar, F., & Abbood, A. (2024). Statistical Overview of Drug Shortage in Syria. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume 5, Issue 1, pages 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.A4059.05011224. 34. Abbood, A. (2024). Insights into Therapeutic Peptides and Their Quality Control. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume 5, Issue 1, pages 16-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.A4059.05011224. 35. Abbood A. Overview of Analytical Methods for Characterizing the Charge Heterogeneity of Antibody-Drug Conjugates. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-5, August 2024, pages 16-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.E4047.04050824. 36. Nouira, R., & Abbood, A. (2024). Assessment of Knowledge About High Blood Pressure Among Syrians. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-4 Issue-6, pages 28-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.F4053.04061024. 37. Malek, Z., Abbood, A., & Thallaj, N. (2022). "Xi'an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)." Journal of Xi'an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences, 302-312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.10/K56XY. 38. Al-Saroukhy, R., Al-Kara, R., Habib, R., & Abbood, A. (2024). Assessment of Use and Awareness of Diclofenac in Syria. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume 4, Issue 6, pages 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.F4052.04061024. 39. Asaad, R.A. (2023). The association between Triglyceride-Glucose index and Hypertension status (stages and phenotypes) in Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(6): 2963-2968. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00489 40. Asaad, R.A. (2022). Evaluation of adiposity phenotypes: lipid accumulation product index, visceral adipose index, and body roundness index as predictor markers for metabolic syndrome development in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Assiut, 45(2): 097-1107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/bfsa.2022.149592.1423. 41. Asaad, R.A. (2018). Lymph Node Ratio (LNR) as a predictive factor in addition to pN staging in Syrian breast cancer patients at diagnosis. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 11(3):933-940. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-360X.2018.00173.7. 42. Asaad, R.A. (2023). Relative Fat Mass (RFM) assesses Whole Body Fat (WBF) and predicts Cardiovascular Metabolic Disorders as a novel obesity marker in the Syrian population. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(9):4399-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00719. 43. Thallaj, N. (2022). Design and Synthesis of Ligands with Tetra-Dentate Substituted with Halogens in the α-α-α-α-α-α-Position and Conjugation with Riboflavin (Bioconjugates): Conjugate Ligands Type TPA’s with Flavonoids as an Electron Mediator. Biomedicine and Chemical Sciences, 1(2), 47–56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48112/bcs.v1i2.85. 44. Thallaj, N., Alrasho, J. F., & Sofi, F. K. (2024). Advancements in Antiviral Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review of Hepatitis C Virus and Novel Flavone Leads. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), 5(1), 28-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.A4064.05011224. 45. Thallaj, N. (2023). International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR) 2023. 3, 3,1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4012.043323 46. Thallaj, N. (2024). International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), 4, 1,32-52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.A4036.124123. 47. Thallaj, N. (2022). Xi'an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/ Journal of Xi'an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, 65, 06. 289-301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/W8RS5. 48. Thallaj, N. (2022). Xi'an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/ Journal of Xi'an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, 65, 06. 313-328. DOI; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/K8RFE . 49. Thallaj, N. (2022). Xi'an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/Journal of Xi'an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, 65, 7, 169-184. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7F23D 50. Thallaj, N. (2022). Xi'an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/Journal of Xi'an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, vol. 65, no. 7, pp. 110-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KZRDJ. 51. Thallaj, N. (2022). Indian Journal of Advanced Chemistry, 2, 1, 10-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijac.C2013.041322. 52. Abbood, A. (2025). Overview of the Role of Chromatographic Modes in Pharmaceutical Peptide Analysis. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-2, pages 22-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.B4068.05020225. 53. Abbood, A. (2025). Mixed Mode Chromatographic Stationary Phases in Pharmaceutical Peptide Analysis. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-3, pages 33-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4073.05030425 54. Abbood, A. (2025). Analysis of Charge Variant Profiles in Antibody Conjugates. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5 Issue-3, pages 26-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4072.05030425 55. Abbood, A. (2025). Role of Charge HILIC Stationary Phases in Pharmaceutical Peptide Analysis. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJAPSR), Volume-5, Issue-3, pages 1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54105/ijapsr.C4074.05040625. 56. Darraj, R., Haroun, M., Abbood, A., & Al Ghoraibi, I. (2025). Extraction of Methylparaben and Propylparaben using Magnetic Nanoparticles. Clinical Medicine and Health Research Journal, Volume 5, Number 1, Pages 1145-1167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18535/cmhrj.v5i1.450. 57. Hasan, B., & Asaad, R. (2023). White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts as Simple and Inexpensive Markers for Determination of the Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(2): p. 786-790. DOI: http://doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2023.00135. 58. Ghassan, A., Asaad, R., & Abedallah, N. (2024). Impact of Letrozole treatment on lipid profile in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early Breast Cancer: A prospective study. Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Assiut University, 47 (1): 363-374. DOI: http://doi:10.21608/BFSA.2023.230365.1874. 59. Al Khleif, M., Alzoubi, N. A., Shannan, G., Malek, Z., & Thallaj, N. (2025). Exploring Circadian Rhythms: A Comprehensive Study on Sleep Patterns and Disorders in Syrian Society. Am J Biomed Sci & Res. 2025 26(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.34297/AJBSR.2025.26.003416. 60. Shannan, G., Malek, Z., & Thallaj, N. (2025). Advancements in Monomolecular Multimodal Platforms for Cancer Theragnostics. Am J Biomed Sci & Res. 27(3). Prevalence and Risks of Self-Medication Among Syrian Families: A Pharmacist-Based Survey 6 Published By: Lattice Science Publication (LSP) © Copyright: All rights reserved. Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.F409005061025 DOI:10.54105/ijapsr.F4090.06011225 Journal Website: www.ijapsr.latticescipub.com DOI: https://doi.org/10.34297/AJBSR.2025.27.003569. AUTHOR’S PROFILE Abeer Hammoud, Undergraduate Student, Fifth year in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Control Department at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria. Pharmacy student at Tishreen University. Registered dates at the university between 2020 and 2025. ICDL certificate in 2025. Highlights: Board theoretical experience in analytical methods, synthesis of organic compounds, pharmaceutical preparations, medicinal chemistry principles, TLC methods, high liquid performance methods, Gc methods, UV/visible spectrophotometer principles, electrochemical techniques, IR and NMR specters, extraction methods, gel electrophoresis methods, capillary electrophoresis methods, quality control of solid dosage forms, quality control of liquid dosage forms, quality control of semi-solid dosage forms, GMP, GLP, sampling, Food chemistry. Ayat Abbood: Professor in pharmaceutical chemistry and quality control department, Tishreen University - PhD in pharmacy in the field of drug control (20062010, University of Paris-11, France) - Master 2 Research: Research and Analytical Development (2005-2006, University of Paris-11, France) - Professional Master 1: Quality Control of Medicines and Other Health Products (2004-2005, University of Paris-11, France) - Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and Medicinal Chemistry (1996-2000, Tishreen University, Latakia) Head of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control -Faculty of Pharmacy -Tishreen University (2021 until now) - Head of Pharmacy Department - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Al-Manara University (3 years) - Dean of Pharmacy Faculty –Al-Jazeera University (one year). Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of the Lattice Science Publication (LSP)/journal and/or the editor(s). The Lattice Science Publication (LSP)/ journal and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products referred to in the content.